David Smith Harwood

1/19/1936-7/13/2026

David Smith Harwood passed away peacefully in his home in Half Moon Bay, California on July 13, 2026.

Born in Manchester Center, Vermont 01/19/1936, David was a proud Vermonter where his family had homesteaded and dairy farmed for generations after fighting in the Revolutionary War. The son of a seamstress and building contractor, he was a man of many creative talents that were cultivated from a young age, including woodworking, painting, carpentry, and cooking.

In his youth, David was recognized as a scholar, earning the Rensselaer Medal, Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award, and a sponsorship by his hometown to participate in the 1951 Jamboree in Bad Ischl, Austria as an Eagle Scout. David attended Dartmouth College where he earned a BA with distinction in Geology, was part of the NROTC, and was a decorated member of the ski team. He served as co-captain and earned Skimeister his senior year with top scores in downhill, slalom, cross country, and jumping, being awarded All-American and National Champion (team and individual) titles.

David served as an Officer in the United States Navy from 1958-1961. During his naval service, he was granted orders to detach from the USS Tanner to tryout for the 1960 US Olympic team. Then while serving on the USS Diamondhead ammunitions ship during the Bay of Pigs in 1961, his ship struck by another during the long radio silence, causing a fire and damage to the hull.

After his service, David continued his studies earning a PhD from Harvard University in Geology while mapping New England for the US Geological Survey. The USGS hired him permanently as a research geologist in 1966 where his work focused on energy independence, environmental impacts, and resource assessments. He transferred to California in 1975 and earned the meritorious service award for advisory work on the Auburn Dam. His favorite part of his career was immersing in wilderness, appreciating the natural beauty and history of our world, but most especially enjoying his independence to explore and contemplate. Before hobbies existed, he was a fly fisherman, birdwatcher and outdoorsman, embracing these passions through his retirement.

Open-minded and inclusive, David was known for speaking out against prejudice and ignorance with wit and humor, known for his zingers like quietly pointing out when someone was “often wrong but never uncertain.” He is remembered as a warm and welcoming host who offered delicious dishes inspired by his adventures, sharing wise advice only to those who sought it, happily giving geological tours to anyone curious, and often sharing a beer and a limerick with those most dear.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Laura and Harold, brother John, and first wife, Margaret Halsted. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jennifer Harden, four children, Smitty (Tambi) Harwood, Ned (Heather) Harwood, Reid (Sarah) Harwood, Laura (Robert) Jackson, and seven grandchildren, Ursula, Amanda, Lance, Kore, Everett, Willa, and Hazel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to the Friends of Skiing fund at Dartmouth College. Private services will be held for the family.